HomeMy WebLinkAbout20241007 - CC MinutesCity Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at
http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes
Hastings, Minnesota
City Council Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2024
The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday, October 7, 2024 at
7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street, Hastings, Minnesota.
Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Fox, Haus, Lawrence, Leifeld, Pemble, and
Vihrachoff
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh
City Attorney Kori Land
Parks and Recreation Director Chris Jenkins
Public Works Director Ryan Stempski
Recreation Programming Specialist Paige Marschall-Bigler
Approval of Minutes
Mayor Fasbender asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the City Council
regular meeting on September 16, 2024 and special meeting on September 23, 2024.
Minutes were approved as presented.
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilmember Fox.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
1. Pay Bills as Audited
2. Resolution No. 10-01-24: Accept Donation from Janet Swanson to the Parks and Recreation
Department
3. Resolution No. 10-02-24: Accept Donation from Linda Carlson to the Parks and Recreation
Department
4. Resolution No. 10-03-24: Accept Donation from Nels Estlund to the Police Department
5. Resolution No. 10-04-24: Approve Temporary One-Day Gambling Permit for St. Elizabeth Ann
Seton Church
6. Resolution No. 10-05-24: Appoint Election Judges for the 2024 General Election
7. Approve Special Event Designation – Downtown Business Association Candy Crawl
8. 2nd Reading\Adopt Ordinance: Amend City Code Chapter 50.05 – On-Site Sewer Requirements
9. Authorize Signature: Memorandum of Understanding – United Heroes League Sewer Service
(15211 Ravenna Trail)
10. 2nd Reading: Amend City Code Chapter 34.03: Civic Arena Fees
11. Authorize Signature: First Amendment to James Metzen Mighty Ducks Grant Program
Agreement
12. Assessment Appeal Waivers: 214 2nd St. E
a. Authorize Signature – City WAC Assessment Appeal Waiver Agreement
b. Authorize Signature – MCES Assessment Appeal Waiver Agreement
13. 2024 Budget Amendment: Lead Paint Containment
City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at
http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes
14. 2025 Budget Preauthorization: LUCAS Chest Compression Devices
15. Resolution No. 10-06-24: Approve Detour Agreement No. 1057488 for Highway 316 Mill &
Overlay
16. Authorize Signature: Minnesota Distributed Energy Resource Interconnection Agreement
17. Authorize Signature: Permanent Trail Easement (Three Rivers Trail)
18. Declare Surplus Property and Authorize for Sale, Donation, or Disposal – Police Department
Authorize Signature: Award Contract for Lake Rebecca Park Habitat Improvements Project
Jenkins provided a summary of the request to award contract for the Lake Rebecca Natural Resources
Project. Jenkins indicated this is one phase of the overall LCCMR Funded Lake Rebecca Project. Jenkins noted
five quotes were received and Minnesota Native Landscapes was the lowest responsible quote. Staff
recommends approval of awarding the contract to Minnesota Native Landscapes and noted the project is grant
funded so there is no impact to City budget.
Council discussion on clarifying what is occurring at Lake Rebecca in the developed and other areas
of the park. Jenkins further clarified the main elements of the project indicating the grant focuses on the
habitat and natural area enhancements. Due to the recreation area bordering wetland, there are limitations of
what can be done in the area. Jenkins shared the recreation area renovation will focus on the boat launch,
reducing the parking footprint, and adding picnic tables and additional habitat. Jenkins indicated the goal is to
complete the work as soon as possible as grant money must be spent by June 30, 2025.
Councilmember Fox motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Haus.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
Resolution No. 10-07-24: Implementing Parking Restrictions on Ashland Street
Stempski provided an overview of the request to consider implementing parking restrictions on
Ashland Street between 9th Street W and 10th Street W. Stempski indicated City Engineering staff has
received multiple safety concerns from constituents and emergency service vehicles along this block of
Ashland Street. Stempski reviewed staff recommendations and shared the potential financial impact to place
the necessary signs. The recommendation is to allow parking on the west side of the street only.
Council discussion on initial concerns about the restrictions. Council expressed support for the
resolution and appreciation for staff research and proposed resolution. Council posed questions on the
distance of vehicles parking near entrances or stop signs. Stempski indicated our Police Department will be
able to better enforce regulations with the addition of the parking restrictions. Council discussed other options
for parking in the area.
Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Pemble.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays.
2024 Levee Park Recap
Marschall-Bigler provided a recap of the 2024 summer events at Levee Park (ninth season).
Marschall Bigler indicated the Hastings Parks and Recreation Department coordinated 28 events for the
facility sharing over 6,600+ people attended the events. Marschall-Bigler noted seven events were cancelled
due to inclement weather. These events were sponsored by the Doffing Fund, Ardent Mills, Dakota Electric,
City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at
http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes
and Smead Manufacturing. She indicated the top communication outreach platforms include social media,
Rivertown News, local outlets, and word of mouth.
Council expressed appreciation to Marschall-Bigler for the work that goes into the programming
throughout the year, the variety of acts for the community, and attracting a variety of community members.
Marschall-Bigler outlined the process for volunteering, if interested.
PFAS Update
As it is the first meeting of the month, Wietecha presented the PFAS Update.
Wietecha mentioned the siting study report last month and the closed session to discuss property
purchase. Hired a company to do property appraisals for the sites. Meeting with Senator Pappas, Senate
Capital Investment Committee, next week to discuss options for seeking state bonding funds again this
legislative year. Expected to hear about Emerging Contaminant grant in October, but that has been moved to
November.
Staff has been working on a broad communication effort related to the proposed increase in water
rates. Heard very recently from the MCPA/DNR as Co-trustees the 3M settlement funds will be available for
a portion of the Water Treatment Plant #2 due to the connection to Well #5. This news will likely reduce the
water rate increase, but there will still be an increase. This may re-order the construction timeline of
Treatment Plants #1 and #2.
Council discussion on whether 3M funds may possibly still be accessible for the other treatment
plants. Council expressed appreciation to City Administrator Wietecha and Public Works Director Stempski,
as well as the MPCA, for the work done to get us this far.
Announcements
• Councilmember Fox shared information for the Downtown Business Association’s Candy Crawl event on
October 27, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• October is National Community Planning Month. Extra appreciation to Community Development
Director John Hinzman and City Planner Justin Fortney.
• In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, the Fire & EMS Department Open House is Tuesday,
October 8. Meet the department, learn about fire safety, and see the trucks & equipment. All ages are
welcome.
• The Hastings Police Department will join more than 50 agencies across the state in selling pink patch
items to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society during breast cancer awareness
month in October.
• The Historic Hastings Car Show is Sunday, October 13. Guests can enjoy music, food trucks, shops, and
local restaurants while checking out a variety of classic cars
• The Arts & Culture Commission hosts the annual Creative Convergence on Wednesday, October 16. All
arts and culture organizations and individuals are invited to attend and network.
• Downtown Candy Crawl is being held on October 27 from 2-5 pm.
Meetings
• Arts & Culture Commission Meeting on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
• HEDRA Meeting on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.